(SALT LAKE CITY, Utah) – Utah Lt. Governor Greg Bell announced this morning he is stepping down as Utah’s seventh lieutenant governor. After four years in his present post and 23 years in public service, Bell has decided to return to the private sector.

“Serving the people of Utah as Lt. Governor has truly been an honor. The uniquely collegial and collaborative partnership with Governor Herbert has been a privilege,” said the Lt. Governor.

“It’s difficult to leave a post as substantive and dynamic as this, and I have enjoyed every minute. It’s simply time to take care of my family’s long-term financial needs.”

Governor Gary R. Herbert said Bell leaves a large hole in the administration. “This is not an administration of caretakers or ribbon cutters. Greg Bell has worked incredibly hard and sacrificed a great deal. He has given every measure in dedicated public service, not just the past four years, but throughout his career.”

The Governor added, “I have valued Lt. Governor Bell’s loyalty as my partner and friend. He is a true statesman—a man of principle, integrity and resolve. And he has been key to our ongoing success, particularly on the education front.”

Bell will retain his post and numerous assignments until the Governor’s nominee to replace him is formally named and officially confirmed by the Utah State Senate on a date yet to be determined.

The Governor is not ready to announce whom he will nominate as Utah’s next lieutenant governor at this time. “I have a short list already in mind, but I am going to take a bit of time to finalize my selection,” he said. “I expect we will make a formal announcement in the near future.”

Bell, 64, has served as the Lieutenant Governor of Utah since September 1, 2009, chairing or participating in over 20 committees or working group assignments and serving as the Governor’s legislative lead. Elected in 2002, he served as a Utah State Senator and in the leadership of the Utah State Senate.

Bell was born in Ogden, and raised in Ogden and Spring Glen, Utah. He graduated from Ogden High School, Weber State University and the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. He practiced law specializing in real estate development and finance.

Bell is a past mayor and city councilman of Farmington, past chair of Envision Utah, and past president of the Farmington Bay District of the Boy Scouts of America. Lt. Governor Bell and his wife, JoLynn, reside in Fruit Heights and are the parents of six children and 20 grandchildren.

(SALT LAKE CITY, Utah) – Utah Lt. Governor Greg Bell announced this morning he is stepping down as Utah’s seventh lieutenant governor. After four years in his present post and 23 years in public service, Bell has decided to return to the private sector.

“Serving the people of Utah as Lt. Governor has truly been an honor. The uniquely collegial and collaborative partnership with Governor Herbert has been a privilege,” said the Lt. Governor.

“It’s difficult to leave a post as substantive and dynamic as this, and I have enjoyed every minute. It’s simply time to take care of my family’s long-term financial needs.”

Governor Gary R. Herbert said Bell leaves a large hole in the administration. “This is not an administration of caretakers or ribbon cutters. Greg Bell has worked incredibly hard and sacrificed a great deal. He has given every measure in dedicated public service, not just the past four years, but throughout his career.”

The Governor added, “I have valued Lt. Governor Bell’s loyalty as my partner and friend. He is a true statesman—a man of principle, integrity and resolve. And he has been key to our ongoing success, particularly on the education front.”

Bell will retain his post and numerous assignments until the Governor’s nominee to replace him is formally named and officially confirmed by the Utah State Senate on a date yet to be determined.

The Governor is not ready to announce whom he will nominate as Utah’s next lieutenant governor at this time. “I have a short list already in mind, but I am going to take a bit of time to finalize my selection,” he said. “I expect we will make a formal announcement in the near future.”

Bell, 64, has served as the Lieutenant Governor of Utah since September 1, 2009, chairing or participating in over 20 committees or working group assignments and serving as the Governor’s legislative lead. Elected in 2002, he served as a Utah State Senator and in the leadership of the Utah State Senate.

Bell was born in Ogden, and raised in Ogden and Spring Glen, Utah. He graduated from Ogden High School, Weber State University and the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. He practiced law specializing in real estate development and finance.

Bell is a past mayor and city councilman of Farmington, past chair of Envision Utah, and past president of the Farmington Bay District of the Boy Scouts of America. Lt. Governor Bell and his wife, JoLynn, reside in Fruit Heights and are the parents of six children and 20 grandchildren.